CVE-2024-13409: Post Grid, Slider & Carousel Ultimate – with Shortcode, Gutenberg Block & Elementor Widget <= 1.6.10 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Local File Inclusion via post_type_ajax_handler()

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2024-13409 is a high (CVSS 8.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in wordpress post-grid-carousel-ultimate. EPSS estimates a 0.86% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 58% of scored vulnerabilities. Fixed in 1.7.

Timeline

1. 24-01-2025
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 08-04-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

The Post Grid, Slider & Carousel Ultimate – with Shortcode, Gutenberg Block & Elementor Widget plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.10 via the 'theme' parameter of the post_type_ajax_handler() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.